Satellite sends HD photos of Tiangong-2, Shenzhou-11

A companion satellite has sent back a first batch of high-resolution photos of China's Tiangong-2 space lab and Shenzhou-11 spacecraft.

Satellite sends HD photos of Tiangong-2, Shenzhou-11

This is a picture of their complex, taken by a visible light camera installed on the satellite, the Banxing-2.

The micro satellite was launched from the Tiangong-2 on Sunday, four days after the Shenzhou-11 docking. It's just the size of a printer.

The Banxing-2 has sent back over 300 infra-red images of space lab and space craft. It will also carry out space experiments with the Tiangong-2 to expand the use of space.

"From that distance, the image has a resolution of about one centimeter. The image clearly shows the equipment and facilities outside the spacecraft-spacelab complex. The images it sent back show the camera has met its requirements and is working very well," said Zhong Hongen, chief designer of Space Application System, Manned Space Flight Project.

"When the micro-satellite next orbits above the spacecraft and spacelab, it will take photos again. Then, everyone will see images of the complex with the earth in the background."